Principal SAR Imagery Scientist (AI/ML Validation) | TS/SCI

xtscareers; Springfield (VA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible healthcare options

PTO and federal holidays

401(k) matching

Disability and life insurance

Professional development

Job summary

xtscareers is seeking a Principal SAR Imagery Scientist (AI/ML Validation) in Springfield, VA. Lead the evaluation and validation of SAR/AIML models, shaping audit-ready methodologies with SAR phenomenology, sensor physics, and image formation expertise.

Communicate findings to leadership and collaborate across NGA and IC to ensure defensible outcomes. You will design validation frameworks, oversee testing with real-world datasets, and guide model improvements.

Qualifications

• Requires TS/SCI clearance with willingness to CI Polygraph
• Ability to design and oversee testing methodologies using real-world data
• Ability to communicate SAR concepts to technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience applying SAR imagery to identify objects of interest and assess quality metrics

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and oversee testing methodologies for SAR/AI models against real radar imagery.
• Evaluate model performance across diverse environments and mission scenarios.
• Provide authoritative technical guidance to leadership and NGA/IC stakeholders.

Skills

SAR expert

SAR phenomenology

sensor physics

image formation methods

exploitation tradecraft

communication to mixed audiences

remote sensing principles

GEOINT tradecraft

Education

PhD with 10+ years

Master’s degree with 13+ years

Bachelor’s degree with 15+ years

Associate’s degree with 16+ years

18+ years of experience in lieu of a degree

Tools

SARPy

MATLAB SAR Toolbox

Python-based workflows

Job description

Principal SAR Imagery Scientist (AI/ML Validation) | TS/SCI

Location: Springfield VA

Overview

Join a mission-critical effort at the forefront of AI assurance within GEOINT. Supporting NGA's Assurance and Governance (QA) office and the Accreditation of AI Models (AGAIM) program, this role is focused on ensuring that advanced AI and machine learning models are rigorously tested, validated, and ready for real-world intelligence operations. As a Principal SAR Imagery Scientist, you will serve as a leading authority in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), driving the evaluation and validation of AI/ML models against operational radar imagery. You will design and oversee testing methodologies that reflect real-world collection conditions, ensuring models perform reliably across diverse environments and mission scenarios. This role goes beyond analysis. You will apply deep expertise in SAR phenomenology, sensor physics, and image formation to assess model performance, identify limitations, and guide improvements. Your work will directly influence how AI is trusted and deployed across the mission, shaping analytic standards and advancing automated GEOINT capabilities. You will also play a key advisory role, translating complex technical findings into actionable insights for leadership, while collaborating across NGA and the broader Intelligence Community to ensure mission-relevant, accurate, and defensible outcomes. If you are a SAR expert looking to shape how AI is evaluated, trusted, and deployed across real-world intelligence missions, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Requirements

• Active TS/SCI clearance with willingness to undergo a CI Polygraph exam
• 18+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree, or a PhD with 10+ years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with 13+ years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree with 15+ years of relevant experience, or an Associate’s degree with 16+ years of relevant experience
• Proven 6+ years of experience as a SAR expert with deep expertise in collection, phenomenology, collection geometry, sensor physics, image formation processes, and exploitation tradecraft
• Application of SAR imagery to identify the occurrence and location of objects of interest (OOI)
• Proficiency with SAR-focused toolsets and environments including SARPy, MATLAB SAR Toolbox, and Python-based workflows
• Experience developing, testing, and evaluating algorithms, methodologies, and analytic processes using SAR imagery
• Application of image quality metrics, sensor metadata (e.g., graze, squint), and information-theoretic approaches to assess SAR data quality and performance
• Application of remote sensing and geospatial platforms such as Google Earth Engine for advanced imagery analysis and modeling workflows
• Ability to design, evaluate, and refine analytic models and validation frameworks using operational, real-world datasets
• Ability to communicate complex SAR concepts, findings, and system capabilities to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Strong foundation in remote sensing principles, GEOINT tradecraft, and advanced imagery exploitation methodologies
• Capacity to operate independently while providing authoritative technical guidance and advisory support to government leadership

Desired

• Working knowledge of computer vision (CV) and machine learning techniques as applied to SAR imagery

Why XTS?

XTS is a veteran owned company focused on mission success and professional growth. We foster a collaborative environment and invest in our people so they can thrive while supporting critical national security missions.

Benefits Include:

• Flexible healthcare, dental, and vision plans
• Paid time off (PTO) and 11 federal holidays
• Matching 401(k) plan
• Short- and long-term disability, life insurance, cancer insurance, and pet insurance
• Ongoing professional development and advancement opportunities

Salary Range: $135,000-$145,000/annually, with final compensation determined based on experience, qualifications, and alignment with the requirements of role.